It’s a beautiful sunny 85-degree day in California, low clouds circle the hilltops and the valley has a light breeze after an evening rain. I kick through some puddles on my way to the stage entrance from VIP parking on the CBS lot in Studio City. The crew is warm, friendly, and excited to have me there. Some of them ask for my autograph while I’m being briefed about the upcoming shoot.
I’m glad I wore my favorite purple shirt with my gray skirt, a velvet jacket and flattering gray boots. I twirl my purple bead and pearl necklace during the briefing and the make-up artist insists that not a hair be touched on my head. California weather always gives me a great “hair day”.
From the waiting room backstage, I sip some water, watching the monitor as the show begins on stage. I can hear the applause for the hosts through the closed door to the waiting room.
Julie Chen opens the show: “And today our special guest will be Day Boswell, a woman who found her own way, and through thinking for herself, created a terrific lifestyle that many might envy. Author, entrepreneur, and a sought-after consultant among small businesses countrywide. How did she do it? What secret methods did she use? What brought her such huge success in such a short time. You’ll hear it all on today’s version of … The Talk!”
The show proceeds with updates on celebrities, and I get a little quiet time to review the key points I want to make during the interview. Then a member of the producer’s staff knocks on the door and pokes her giggling red head in the door. “Mrs. Boswell, it’s almost time. You have about 3 minutes. Can I get you anything?”
“No thank you, dear. I have plenty … and I wish for you the same,” I said with a smile. I get up, breathe deeply, then follow the young girl to the stage entrance.
Just out of view, I hear Julie’s introduction. “She raised two kids after being widowed, making sure they both got through college, took jobs in the most non-traditional fields you could expect a woman to choose, then stepped out on her own to share her knowledge, experience, and to launch her most sincere desires to help people improve by being a highly successful entrepreneur, consultant and author. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Day Boswell.”
I am humbled by the applause from the audience. I wave to them in sincere gratitude, then hug each of the hostesses, personally thanking them for allowing me to share my story.
I sit at the center of the oval table and Julie begins the interview. “Day, your latest book, LUCK at Work, has now hit the top of the New York Times Best Seller List, is becoming the go-to guide on surviving the workplace, and has opened pathways for success for many women. How were you inspired to write this book?”
“Julie, I’ve never been one for being traditional. I served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard, then was one of the early women to work as a supervisor in a union manufacturing site. I later became head of operations for the one facility, then found a great fit leading the quality initiative. I did that for several years at different sites, then suffered job losses, as many people in manufacturing have done. The economy and our work culture is rough on manufacturing organizations, but they are a strong breed and I am proud to have been part of that world.”
Sharon Osbourne asks the next question. “Day, I too, have been an entrepreneur and business woman. What would you say are the secrets of YOUR success? Mine took many years. Your life changed in just a few.”
“Honestly, Sharon, I got your help and support to get there. Actually, ladies, at some point, all of you were involved at some level. As each of you has achieved a phenomenal amount of success, I invited you to be part of my internal mastermind group, sharing your wisdom, experience and encouragement as I sat and invited you to my inner worlds for counsel and advice. And many times, I took from your examples and stories on the show – the way you support and encourage others, and guests and celebrities who are out to make a positive difference in the world. You, among others, have been gracious mentors. And I choose to honor any strong person who has affected my life by inviting them to my ‘sits’ to help me become stronger and more effective in serving all life.”
Sara Gilbert then asks, “Not only has your book become a huge success, but you grew a huge business as a real estate entrepreneur too, also. Tell us about that adventure.”
“Sara, that’s been a partial desire all my life. You see, my grandfather used to run a real estate and construction company when I was a little girl. I was always thrilled to go to the office and visit him there, and I played at his desk as though I were his future replacement. He died when I was 15, and in the past, I didn’t have the vision, or the drive to see that through. I think he would be proud of me now though, finally stepping into his shoes and taking it to another level.”
“Another level is right, Day,” Aisha comments. “Since 2015, you’ve steadily grown your real estate holdings, and you’ve been able to find unique and interesting ways to help people solve problems with their real estate issues, everything from creating cash flow to support older people in their need to pay for retirement living quarters, or conversion of substandard properties to effective homeless rehab centers. I heard you’ve even made it possible for people who were thought to be hopeless to turn into homeowners.”
“That’s right, Aisha. Back to the ‘non-traditional’ approach I take to life. Go where everyone else is running from. Do it with the intention of love and service in your heart and the universe, or God, will help you find the way to turn a situation into something beautiful.”
“Last question, Day,” Sheryl Underwood asks, “You’re also a consultant, and somewhat of an expert, in helping small businesses improve their quality and increase their customer loyalty and profits. Think you can help my boyfriend improve the quality of his loyalty and performance as a boyfriend?”
Laughter throughout the audience.
“You know, Sheryl,” I laugh, “if he followed the same ISO standards my clients do, in a simple and structured way, you may find there’s WAY too much demand for him.”
Laughter again.
Julie closes the interview. “Thank you, Day, for sharing some of your successes with us. We look forward to seeing you again when your work is syndicated. Maybe we can have you back as a weekly video feature with tips to help our viewers?”
“I would be happy to do that for you and your fans, Julie. Thanks for inviting me. And I’d like to give each of your guests in the audience a signed copy of my book, if you think they’d like one.”
The audience roars with delight, jumping to their feet and clapping.
We all stand and I leave the stage, hugging each host and waving good bye to the audience, a huge smile on my face, and a great peace in my heart.